Shravn Prabhu > Radhika Kavach DasMarch 31, 2011 at 2:38pm
In all cases, one must resist the temptation to progress to worship of any Deity form just because it's more pleasing 'decoratively'. One should understand beforehand exactly what they're getting into in terms of commitment and responsibility, and should not be swayed by any aesthetic considerations.
Srila Prabhupada Letter, 02-20-72 "So far your deity-worship of Lord Jagannatha, don't bother with it for the time being, that is my opinion. Householders can have small altars, and Guru-Gauranga and Jagannatha may be worshipped, but you should not spend a lot of time in this way to try to make the worship "first-class" as you say. You cannot make it first-class. That requires much time and money and men, so better to leave the worshipping of deities very nicely to the temples, and you may go there and worship. A small Guru-Gauranga altar, offer incense and flowers in morning, offer all home-prepared foodstuffs there--that's enough for the time being. Better to spend time chanting and following the other regulative principles and preaching and selling books.
It is not necessary to be a Brahmin to have home altar, but better not to get too much involved in it for now, as one begun, there is no question of decrease, and for two persons to manage this is taking too much time from other important work."
Sorry, I would like to take back on suggesting Jagannath, Subhadra and Baladev to be easier, although easier than Radha & Krishna.
Its a good idea to start off with Prabhupada's image, along with Tulasi Devi plant,
along with Goura Nitai deities.
I would suggest you to have a picture of Nrishingadev in your alter as well. It will help you in your preaching, by practicing Harinama Sankirtana.
Replies
Do you already have the deities?
If not, I would like to suggest Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra.
Most merciful form of Krishna.
Radha Krishna worship is extemely difficult and if not careful one may commit Sevaparada.
Hare Krsna Pr ji ,
I have Shri Shri Radha Rass Bihari , Giriraj & Shaligram Shilas ,
Srila Prabhupada Letter, 02-20-72 "So far your deity-worship of Lord Jagannatha, don't bother with it for the time being, that is my opinion. Householders can have small altars, and Guru-Gauranga and Jagannatha may be worshipped, but you should not spend a lot of time in this way to try to make the worship "first-class" as you say. You cannot make it first-class. That requires much time and money and men, so better to leave the worshipping of deities very nicely to the temples, and you may go there and worship. A small Guru-Gauranga altar, offer incense and flowers in morning, offer all home-prepared foodstuffs there--that's enough for the time being. Better to spend time chanting and following the other regulative principles and preaching and selling books.
It is not necessary to be a Brahmin to have home altar, but better not to get too much involved in it for now, as one begun, there is no question of decrease, and for two persons to manage this is taking too much time from other important work."
Sorry, I would like to take back on suggesting Jagannath, Subhadra and Baladev to be easier, although easier than Radha & Krishna.
Its a good idea to start off with Prabhupada's image, along with Tulasi Devi plant,
along with Goura Nitai deities.
I would suggest you to have a picture of Nrishingadev in your alter as well. It will help you in your preaching, by practicing Harinama Sankirtana.
Haribol